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| (Left) Talensi DCE, Edward Awunnore, Mr Syme U/E Dep Min (Middle) |
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| Pupils displaying their plight |
The various
Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Upper East Region have been
charged to institute by-laws that will ensure the protection and wellbeing of
children. This way, every child of school going age will have the opportunity
of developing his or her God given talent to benefit society. The Deputy Upper
East Regional Minister, Daniel Syme, who made the call at the commemoration of
the World Day Against Child labour at Pwalugu, said government acknowledges the
role of the youth in nation building and has therefore placed the youth at the
core of its development agenda. Nevertheless, government has appointed a good
number of youth to occupy viable and key ministerial positions. The move, he reiterated
has empowered the youth to assume leadership positions, attributing the cause
to the numerous programmes and policies of government. Mr Syme, who was
grateful to Afrikids and its collaborative NGOs for their effort in advancing
the cause of children, encouraged other stakeholders to intensify their
advocacy work in ensuring that children enjoy all the available interventions
set by government to alleviate their plight and suffering. The Talensi District
Chief Executive, Edward Awunnore, described the theme for the day ‘No Child
Labour in Domestic Work’ as relevant since it deals with the plight of children
in homes that engages them in hazardous work under the pretext of domestic chores.
For him, the education of the girl child requires priority attention as much
had not been achieved especially at the upper level of the educational ladder.
Mr Awunnore, therefore reminded all to put a stop to all cultural practices and
beliefs that are inimical to their wellbeing. Harmful practices meted out to
girls, he indicated are unacceptable adding that perpetrators should be
prosecuted to deter others. Delivering a speech on his behalf, the Country
Director of Afrikids, Mr Nicholas Kumah, said though the country has witnessed
a tremendous decline in child labour cases, the situation in the district and
Northern Ghana is different. His outfit he
assured will not relent in delivering on its core mandate but rather remain
committed towards eradicating worst forms
of child labour in the region. Furthermore, Afrikids would continue to promote
child rights through community and child engagement forums in the district. He
however called on the support of all stakeholders including the media to
heighten awareness on issues affecting children. Moreover, government he
suggested should be made accountable in ensuring that all forms of domestic labour,
which is one 0f the hidden forms of child labour is eliminated.
GBC END
IA
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